Getting Kids To Talk with Free Printable

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Getting kids to talk can be tricky sometimes. In this edition of Freebie Friday I’m going to share an activity I learned from a wonderful friend/colleague/mentor, Dina McManus, LCSW-R, on getting kids to talk. This activity also teaches kids how to express their thoughts appropriately and also that their opinions matter.

This exercise can be used by parents, educators, and counselors. All it involves is a simple “Being” that can be used in many different ways.

This activity is a good way to check in with your child to see how they see you as a parent. Start out by giving them the Being printable and instruct them to write the qualities they want in a parent on the inside of the Being. On the outside of the Being, have them write the qualities they do NOT want in a parent. Take a look at the example below:

Once your child finishes their parent Being, discuss it with them. For instance, I asked my daughter how it makes her feel when I yell at her and what she would like for me to do instead. You can also use this exercise with siblings to get them to talk about how they feel about each other.

Being Activity For Teachers

Here is an example of how the Being exercise can be used by teachers and counselors with their students. I’m always amazed at the amount of information children share when they do this activity!

Being Activity For Counselors

The Being activity can be used in individual or group sessions. I typically use it during the first session of a group to establish how we want group members to behave and also to talk about behaviors that won’t be tolerated in the group. Below is an example of how I used a Being in a friendship group: I traced the outline of a group member (with permission of course). Then group members wrote/dictated what positive friendship qualities they wanted on the inside of their Being (Friendship Buddy). On the outside of the Being are things friends don’t do.

I traced the outline of a group member (with permission of course). Then the other group members wrote on the inside of the Being (Friendship Buddy) the positive qualities they want in a friend. On the outside of the Being are things friends don’t do.

Getting kids to talk isn’t easy, but when they do, be ready to listen!!!